Find your winter rhythm in six Adirondack towns
Winter in the Adirondack Hub doesn't ask you to pick just one adventure. Indian Lake, Long Lake, Minerva, Schroon Lake, Newcomb, and North Hudson sit close enough together that a day can start on skis and end beside a fire. Make the Hub your center, and let the rest of the Adirondacks orbit it.
Start with the big mountain
For downhill skiing and riding, Gore Mountain in North Creek, in the Town of Johnsburg, is an easy day trip from the Adirondack Hub. With 2,537 feet of vertical drop and some of the most skiable terrain in New York, Gore offers plenty of room to find your line. After a full day on the mountain, head back to the quieter pace of the Hub, where more winter adventures are waiting.
Snowshoe and ski the quiet way
Not every winter adventure needs a chairlift. In Newcomb, the five-mile route to Great Camp Santanoni follows a historic carriage road through snow-covered forests and past the old farm complex before reaching the lodge on Newcomb Lake. Explore the route on cross-country skis or snowshoes, and take in a different perspective of this remarkable Adirondack property.
Also in Newcomb, the Adirondack Interpretive Center offers more than 200 acres of trails to explore, with routes of varying lengths for a peaceful winter outing. Near Schroon Lake, the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness offers miles of trails for those looking to venture further into the backcountry. And in Minerva, where more than half the town is protected wilderness, there's no shortage of opportunities to find a little solitude on the snow.
Ride the trails
For snowmobilers, the Adirondack Hub is a natural place to make tracks. Indian Lake serves as a major snowmobiling destination, with miles of groomed trails winding through forests and connecting to the region's broader trail network. Riders can also explore connections between Schroon Lake and North Hudson, making it easy to cover some ground and experience more of the Adirondacks along the way.
In Newcomb, winter brings a different kind of excitement to Lake Harris, where the local snowmobile club hosts vintage snowmobile races each February. It's a chance to see classic sleds in action and experience a little Adirondack winter tradition.
Drill a hole, drop a line
When the lakes freeze over, winter fishing season gets underway across the Hub. In Indian Lake, Byron Park on the southern shore of Adirondack Lake makes a convenient starting point for ice fishing, with the local chamber's visitor center nearby for information and fishing resources.
Long Lake offers plenty of room to find your own spot along its 14-mile stretch, while Minerva Lake provides a quieter option for anglers. In Schroon Lake, the annual Ice Fishing Derby brings anglers together each March, turning a day on the ice into a community tradition. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying ice fishing for the first time, the Hub has plenty of ways to get out on the hardwater.
Warm up around a fire
After a day spent outside, there's something especially satisfying about settling in with a local craft brew or a good meal. The Adirondack Hub's small-town dining scene offers plenty of cozy spots to unwind, with hearty food, local pours, and welcoming places to warm up. Add a little maple sweetness to the experience by browsing local farm stands and shops for Adirondack-made treats to bring home. It's the perfect way to round out a day of winter adventure.
Dig through the past
Winter is also a good excuse to slow down and explore the Hub's small-town shops. Just off Exit 29 of I-87 in North Hudson, Hay Fields Antiques & Flea Market makes an easy stop for anyone who enjoys browsing vintage finds, antiques, and unexpected treasures.
Throughout the Adirondack Hub, small-town general stores offer another way to explore the region's local character. Browse shelves stocked with everyday essentials, local goods, and Adirondack-inspired finds, and pick up a little something to remember your time in the mountains.
Your center for adventure
The Adirondack Hub is packed with opportunities to make winter your own. Explore six unique towns, discover new trails, spend time on the ice, and find plenty of reasons to linger a little longer. Make the Hub your home base and center your next winter adventure.
